Those interested in anthropology may specialize in one of its four branches: archaeology, cultural anthropology, linguistics, or physical anthropology. Many subfields exist within the larger specialties such as forensic anthropology, a subfield of physical anthropology. Typically students take a general curriculum as an undergraduate and specialize through graduate studies. Ample preparation should be taken as graduate school admissions are increasingly competitive.

As the demand for university/college faculty positions decreases, most openings will exist in consulting firms and government agencies.

To increase your employment opportunities with a bachelors degree, consider minoring or double majoring in another field such as sociology, business, urban planning, or public administration.

Anthropology provides a solid background for a variety of graduate programs including law, medicine, forensics, or genetic counseling. Research admissions requirements and take prerequisite courses.

Anthropology is good preparation for jobs that involve people skills and require an understanding of cultural differences.

Spend a summer in field school or travel and study other cultures.

Pursue research experience by working on faculty projects through independent study classes, as a student employee, or through other departmental programs.

Gaining relevant work experience through internships, summer jobs, or volunteer positions is critical.

Join professional associations such as American Association of Physical Anthropologists.

Forensic anthropology has become increasingly popular as well as competitive. Career opportunities exist within the national network of state and county medical examiners and coroners. Training at the graduate level should include supplemental work in legal evidence, pathology, criminology, and forensic lab methods along with supervised casework.